deviling

English

Etymology 1

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Verb

deviling

1. present participle and gerund of devil

Etymology 2

From devil +‎ -ling.

Noun

deviling (plural devilings)

1. A small or young devil.

   Synonyms: devilet, devilette

   • 1616–1619 (first performance), John Fletcher, Philip Massinger, Nathan Field, “The Knight of Malta”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published 1647, →OCLC, Act V, scene ii, page 95, column 2:

     Away French ſtallion, now you have a Barbary mare of your own, go leap her, and engender young devillings.

References

• “deviling”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.